Blog Archives

Make Learning Fun All Year Long

11/25/2018

Top 3 Student Choices to Make Learning Fun

Students recording the daily news at JCS.

Green Screen Do Ink

iMovie

GREEN SCREEN
Teaching Each Other How to Problem Solve
The best lesson is always the one where students choose to take the lead in exploring possibilities. In my classroom the Green Screen is a collaborative experience where students write the script, explore interactive technology and share creative ideas. K-12 students incorporate iMovie and the Green Screen Animation App to design media with a purpose. No expertise or prior experience required.

MAND LABS
Learning Through Immediate Feedback
One of my favorite finds at the ISTE Convention in Chicago this year was the Mand Labs Kit. This intuitive DIY Electronic Kit is in the second phase of a Kickstarter campaign. What my students love most is the high-quality pictures and step by step instructions in the manuals. The supplies and activities included are very cool. Best of all students can figure out immediately if the circuit design is done correctly.

DIY Electronics Kit

Collaborating on PhotoShop Tutorial

ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD
Future Proof Today's Learning
Digital designs represent social currency for my students and that is why I use Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) across the curriculum. Adobe CC provides the scalability my students need to easily add new pieces to their digital foundation. The Adobe CC does require time and effort to learn. The value is that students develop a transferable skill set for the future. Favorite functions include website design, mobile design and desktop publishing.

FREE Teachers Pay Teachers Lesson Plan

11/18/2018

Teachers Pay Teachers

It is Time to Build a Bridge
Physics is Fun STEM Challenge

STEM Challenge
Fun with Physics

Subject
Math, Science, Engineering
Grade Levels
Elementary and Middle School
Resource Type
Activities, Fun Stuff, GATE

In Every Lesson:

Knowldege Builder
Checking for Understanding
Design Challenge
Assessment (Formative,Summative)

Objective:
Understand why tension (pulling apart) and compression (pushing together) are the two imporant forces of bridge design.
Essential Questions:
How do bridges work? Can bridges shape society? What type of impact does a bridge have on the environment?

STEM INTERACTIVE: Archimedes' Principle for Kids

11/5/2018

Watch the video.

Take the Jeopardy Challenge

Boat Design Challenge

Physics
Fun with Buoyancy
Grades K - 8
What is the meaning of the term buoyancy?
Creativity and Innovation
Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes

Essential Questions:
Why do objects float? How does density affect floating and sinking in water?
How dense or compact an objects particles are determines whether an object floats or sinks. If an object is made up of particles that are more tightly packed than the particles in water it will sink. Objects will float if they are less dense than water.

Watch the video and write down 3 new pieces of information you found to be interesting.
In teams play Archimedes Jeopardy Challenge.
Read instructions for Boat Design Challenge
In pairs discuss and sketch 2 different prototypes of boats that can be built from the supplies list. Analyze the prototypes and build one.
Test your prototype and record your observations.
Repeat the experiment a second time by adding 1 cup of salt to your water tub. How did the results differ?
Exit Ticket: Explain Archimedes theory of buoyancy on your exit ticket. Did salt influence your boats performance?

Written by:
Alicia Roberts

I am blessed to be a mom of four amazing children, and an owner of a beautiful rescue puppy. I have taught for 20 years and am passionate about my calling as Principal at Bella Vista College Preparatory. I speak nationally about STEM as a Today's Learn Specialist for Grand Canyon University. Please feel free to contact me to inquire about STEM+ Workshops or Curriculum Design.
[email protected]